Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Pros: Ample power from turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrain; good rear-seat space; nice ride and handling balance

Cons: Steering lacks feel; some high-tech features only available on top trim levels

CG Says: Chevrolet Malibu is essentially unchanged for 2018. A 15.8-gallon fuel tank replaces a 13-gallon tank in models with a 1.5-liter turbo engine. The Malibu midsize sedan was redesigned for 2016. Three powertrains are offered, all using 4-cylinder engines. The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbo rated at 163 horsepower, and it’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It includes a stop/start system that aids city fuel economy. Topline Premier has a 2.0-liter turbo rated at 250 horsepower mated to a 9-speed automatic. The Hybrid model has a total system horsepower (gas and electric) of 182, and it carries impressive EPA figures of 49 city/43 highway/46 combined. Available safety features include low-speed automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear seat reminder. Wireless cell-phone charging is available. Ride quality is quite good. Handling is fine, though the steering is very light and almost devoid of feel. Malibu is a strong competitor in the fiercely competitive midsized-sedan market.

The Facts
Class Midsize Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Chevrolet
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices L: $22,555
LS: $24,100
LT: $26,000
Premier: $31,850
Hybrid: $28,750

Base Engine
Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (L, LS, LT)
Horsepower
163
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
27
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
36

Optional Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Premier)
Horsepower
250
Std. Transmission
9-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
32

Optional Engine
1.8-liter 4-cylinder/electric (Hybrid)
Horsepower
182
Std. Transmission
single-speed
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
49
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
43

2017 Chevrolet Malibu
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 5
100%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

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